The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-29
A GLORIOUS TRIUMPH.
FIRST ANNUAL DINNER OF THE Chill.
DREN's CHRISTMAS CLUB.
One Thousand Poor People Rendered
Comfortable n Happy--A Spectacle
Inspiring In the MISUNDERSTANDING
Music and Eloquent Speeches.

10 the first proposition no one will or can
except, and the latter is very probably
true. This sight was strikingy brought
INTO ex'st,nce at noon yesterday, and con-
,inucd for two hours or more, at the new
Nicely building, corner OF Main and Me-
Call streets. Fully 500 small children
and 20U older ones and grown people col
lectcd there, attracted by IN invitation
rom the united charities, on Childrcn's
Christmas club, 70 come and partakc OF a
feast prepared by philanthropic souls.
For several weeks the movement look
ing to yesterdays grand cuhnination has
been in progress. Mr.. j. :. McnkCn, as
president, the hundred or more ladies and
u small army OF children, mostly from the
various schools OF the city, have been
bending all their energies in the great
cause OF charity. II is unnecessary 10 refer
20 the efforts put forth by these workers,
for TnE APPEAL has watched them closely
since the initiative was taken, and given
all the space necessary 20 keep its readers
informed and aid in the undertaking. II is
sufficient TO again say that from the first
everything was done wisely and well, Per
feet organization was secured and main
tanned, children and grown up people
labored in complete harmony and with
great zealousness, and the public respond
cd with surprising and commendable
liberality for I'M entirely now and unticd
plan Tor relief in this city. Instances ol re-
iusal 10 contribute were 50 few and lar be-
tween that they were lost sight Of.
At an carly hour the various committees
assigned 10 duty during the last day for
the prescnt-of the Christmas club : OPP
r%rations, were on hand, and entered into
the final arrangements with skill and en-
thusiasm. The Gayoso hotel managers
went TO their assistance, and volunteered
the use of their carveIs for several hours.
under the skill and dcXterity OF these
artistic wiclders Of the carving knife the
numerous baskets of roast turkeys, chick
ems, pork hams, etc, were speedily emp
tied and the contents distributed along the
five lengthy tables, where the welcome
guests could be easily served. The other
dishes were also we'll and conveniently ar
ranged along the tables, as were also nuts,
candies, etc, in great profusion. When
the dinner hour arrived all was in readi.
ness for the enjoyment 10 begin.
Prof. llandwcrkcr's orchestra performed
n number Of stirring selections, which
thrilled the concoursc OF 1900 people, and
seemed TO sharpen the app.titcs OF the
guests. At 1880 o'clock a choir Oi seven
teen pretty misses rendered the song o.
welcome composed by MissJennie lligbee
and published In TnE ArPEAL yesterday.
with orchestral accompaniment. Prof,
Winklcr kindly consented 60 arrange the
music for the orchestra, u task Of no easy
performance, but his exquisite taste Wa
fully cXcmplifipd and increased the sWcc'
harmonics an hundrcd-fold. Following
this came the old familiar "DoXology,' ~
which all present joined. The Hon
James VI. Greer, with an address, wa
next on the program, hut business engage
mcnts carried him from the city. Gen. q
J.. VI. Turner volunteered at the last mo
mcnt TO fulfill Judge Greer's appointment
and spoke with eloquent tongue for abou
five minutes. He paid well.mcritcd praisi
a. all who were instrumental In bringin,
about the affair. and particularly III,
noble, scli.sicriiicing ladies aud children
Tho dinner part IT the exercise had nov
been reached, and ! coo little boys, girls
men and women stood about the tables
waiting patiently for the invitation. Ihi
camc after the invoking ~ n blessing 10y
the president, Mr.. Mcnkcn, who s,oo,
aboui midway oi the room, leaning agains
the south wall. aud his whole soul scenes
10 60 with the words. Pretty it'll
misses. with lace caps nm,
tidy aprons, young society belle
and stately inatrnns, moved brisk.
through tho narrow a%islcs, seeing that NJ
one. not event the slightest wait, was allowc
t. want. There wasno hurry. Every one va
permitted to eat as long rs there was ih
lainlcst feeling oi hunger. The orchesir
cniiycncd the proceedings with seven
selections, and the music Of the well nj
tuned instruments aud busy knives an
forks gave not n DESCENDANT note. The dir
ncr lasted about one hour, aud was
scene worthy the efforts Of the most skill
fol artist.
when this part Of the proceedings Ia
continued until all were satisfied, cac
child was given n paper bag and IN
sirucicd Ia nll IL With anything desire
AMI in sight. Most certainly the
complied, and yet, when th.
had been done much remained undi0
posed ~. II will be disiriln tcd amon
the various orphan asylums. All were II
Nitcd 10 repair 10 the adjoining o o
where gifts we've awaiting The children an
other poor people In attendance. Thcs
gifts were arranged on q table In rUar
Two largo Christmas trees, and those f.
whom they were intended were formed !
anu WlNNNANfA NNNIAAaN AA' AN'AAAf n
\ihcy ulsscd the table each one was handp
a package, which contained spmclhir
useful ~ we'll ~ ornamental. In ~
room, too, the O orchestra had been M
toned and lid much 10 keep the inicrc
Il a high point.
During the progress Of the dinner n
pc. Rev. Bishop Quintard and Gen. Pet
Tracy male brief speeches, both Oi whiC
lScrc heartily enjoyed and loudly applau.
IL. President Mcnkcn also rad q no
rom Miss Emma i. Smith, principal
Hope night school, inviting al workii
Doys 10 attend the school and bc WELDON
u her note the lady SAYS "Iou know ol
object j. not only 70 educate, but siyc q
poys Of Memphis"
Among the pleasant surprises which M
he childrn's Christmas club yoaicril
Eas iully n carload Of provisions rom vi
ligbcc's school. There were TWEEN
pasted turkeys, ten hams, 100 pounds
akc, 100 pounds OF candy, several barn
apples and oranges, bread, swcctmcs
! nd preserves.
Mr. W. =. Alternately, secretary oi d
x%ccutive committee VI the club, pIuc
M ATRIAL TO state that n few muru.ci
buttons Of money arr needed, aud she
adv Ia receive them. After the beau
l and impressive spectacle presented "
(rlay. u II hardly probable that the a
al will be- made in vain.
III The first annual dinner Of the Childncf
iristmas club has thus passed away IN
orious triumph. The members ha
. ear rcoompcnsc In the approval Of ca
cncc, the prayers and dressings oi thC
.nctied and the heartfelt thauks N